Depending on the type of surgery or procedure, there are different types of sutures that a doctor can use. This article will talk about the differences between suture types and how they are used in various medical and dental procedures. Surgeons will use sutures to close wounds, click on the link to learn what this dental clinic’s take on it is.
What are sutures?
Sutures are used by doctors to close up wounds. These wounds may be because of an accident or cut that a patient had suffered from, or the sutures may also be used by a surgeon after a surgical operation was performed.
Many times, the terms “suture” and “stitches” are used interchangeably. Both have something to do with the process of the doctor closing up a wound of a patient. The difference is that a suture is a name for the medical tool used to close the wound, while the word “stitch” is the technique that is used by the doctor.
Types of sutures
Different types of sutures are used in different situations. Here is a list of the types of sutures used in medical and dental procedures.
Absorbable sutures
These are the sutures that do not need to be removed by the doctor later on. Usually, these types of sutures are used when there are multiple layers of the patient’s body to be closed up using the sutures. Since it will be impossible for the doctor to remove the sutures that are in the inner layers of the body after the surgery is complete, sutures that are absorbable will be used for these inner layers.
Non-absorbable sutures
These are sutures that will be taken out by the doctor at a later date. The doctor will advise the patient to come back for a follow-up check-up during the healing process of the surgery, and the doctor will take out the non-absorbable sutures during this time.
Structure of material
There are many types of materials that can be used for sutures. They can be classified as sutures that are made out of natural or synthetic materials. The sutures are made up of small strands that are either braided together or just one single thread. Doctors can choose which type to use depending on the procedure going to be performed.
All of these types of sutures are deemed medically safe to use, however, there are some suture types that are more prone to infection than others. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best techniques to keep your surgical wound clean to avoid this.
There are people who are naturally anxious when it comes to surgery. This is not something to be ashamed of as it is a phobia that many people have. If you are scheduled for surgery and are anxious about it, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help put your mind at ease about the operation and explain the procedure to you.